Max Barraclough and Travis Merritt have been crowned the Keno Kings after taking out the Men’s section of the Keno Let’s Play Ambrose aState Final at Bonville Golf Resort.
The Howlong duo has had a couple of days to remember, returning identical rounds of nett 62.25 for a combined total of four points in the modified accumulation table.
Runners up were Gunnedah’s Sam Elphick and Michael Smyth who added a 64.25 to their opening 63.25.
“We had a good two days,” Merritt said. “Max holed a few good putts early yesterday.
“We got off to a hot start today, seven under through ten, then come home with eight pars.
“Max hit the ball pretty well and we got the job done.”
Barraclough did admit to a couple of nerves, especially with the team requiring his tee shot on the last hole.
“We you have got one drive left, and it’s down the 18th it is pretty difficult.,” he smiled.
The win was a first State Championship for the 22-year-old Barraclough, and it was still sinking in after the round.
“We don’t have go back till tomorrow so might have a few drinks tonight,” Barraclough smiled.
The more credentialled Merritt, however, was taking it in his stride. A former NSW Men’s representative, he was proud of the performance of his younger charge.
“Max has been a junior who has come through the ranks at Howlong. I have seen his progress first hand.
“I played for NSW in the interstate side back in the day and tha was a big deal. it’s nice for us to win a state title. It’s fantastic , a big effort.”
Smylie and Sheryl light up Bonville
Sheryl Villapana and Angela Smylie have held onto their lead to take out the Women’s Division of the Keno Let’s PLay Ambrose Championship.
The Pacific Dunes pairing added a 67.5 in warm conditions to add to their opening 63.5. Their combined total of three points was enough to secure the Women’s crown by two points form Bermagui’s Maggie Hayes and Lynn Ponsford.
Mixed Title goes to Monash
In the mixed Division, it was the Monash pair of Angela Eksteen and Ross Fitzpatrick who held onto their day one lead, adding a 64.25 to their opening 59.25.
Their combined total of three points in the reverse combined point score was more than enough to claim the Division.
The Local team of Kate and Scott Pollard from nearby Sawtell were runners up after adding a 67.25 to their opening 65.5.